County Exec. Byrne announces return of free ThinkDIFFERENTLY screenings. 

CARMEL, NY — On Saturday, August 8, County Executive Byrne joined Putnam County’s Office for Individuals with Disabilities and Department of Mental Health to host a free sensory-friendly screening of Minions & Monsters at the newly reopened Box Office Cinemas in Carmel. This community tradition first hosted by Kevin Byrne during his time in the New York State Assembly returned to Carmel last weekend, this time with Byrne as Putnam County Executive.

Byrne hosted a number of sensory-friendly movie screenings for local families while serving as a State Assemblyman. The events stopped following the closure of the former Carmel Cinemas. With the theater now reopened and Byrne having expanded Putnam County’s Office for Individuals with Disabilities, he saw an opportunity to bring the screenings back to the community as part of the County’s ThinkDIFFERENTLY initiative.

 “This was something I loved hosting as an Assemblyman, and it was incredibly rewarding to bring it back now as County Executive,” said Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne. “These screenings give individuals and families an opportunity to enjoy something as simple as going to the movies in an environment where they can feel comfortable and welcome. That’s what ThinkDIFFERENTLY is all about; breaking down barriers and making sure people of all abilities can participate in the community. I’m grateful to everyone who helped us bring this tradition back, and we’re looking forward to doing it again.”

 The sensory-friendly screening featured reduced sound levels, raised lighting, and access to sensory bags, creating a more accommodating environment for individuals with sensory needs and other disabilities. Guests were also able to move around and experience the movie in the manner most comfortable for them.

“For many of the individuals and families we serve, a traditional movie theater experience can present challenges that others may never have to think about,” said Dana Touponse, Coordinator for the Putnam County Office for Individuals with Disabilities. “We understood the value of these screenings and wanted to bring them back. It was wonderful to see families enjoying the movies together in an environment designed to welcome everyone.”

The Office for Individuals with Disabilities was expandedunder Byrne’s administration to provide a dedicated resource for individuals with disabilities and their families and to advance accessibility and inclusion throughout Putnam County.

Saturday’s screening marked a new chapter for a program Byrne first championed as an Assemblyman and can now continue through the County’s ThinkDIFFERENTLY initiative.